Salva Kiir Mayardit sworn in as Sudan's vice president

Addressing widespread fears that the peace has been jeopardized by the death of the charismatic Garang, Kiir said:

"It is neither my intention to depart from the route of John Garang nor to change the Comprehensive Peace Agreement."

"I will work on making the unity of Sudan attractive to the people of southern Sudan."

See full report by AP via International Herald Tribune, Aug 11, 2005.



Photo: Southern Sudanese leader Salva Kiir Mayardit, left, raises hands with Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, centre, and Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha following his swearing-in ceremony as Sudan's first vice president in Khartoum, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005. The former rebel commander took the oath with his hand on a red copy of the constitution in a large tent in the grounds of the presidential palace. He was also named president of the government of southern Sudan. Kiir replaced his former boss, John Garang de Mabior, who died in a helicopter crash on July 30. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Further reading:

Keeping the peace alive in Sudan - Julie Flint looks back at Garang, and forward at the prospects for peace. - BBC Aug 11

Facts about Salva Kiir, Sudan's new vice president. - Reuters Aug 11

Chronology of key events in Sudan since start of civil war. - Reuters Aug 11